18. Why Hustling Alone Isn’t Enough: Erica Thomas’s Entrepreneurship Strategies for Networking

From Erica Thomas’s early days combining a full-time job with moonlighting as a freelance writer and food blogger to becoming the powerhouse behind a flourishing food-focused company, Erica shares an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship, the pivotal role of networking, and the impact of social media on business growth. Erica offers a deep dive into balancing professional pursuits with personal development, touching on parenting, relationships, and societal shifts. Plus, get a glimpse into her philanthropic efforts, how she overcame financial hurdles, and her strategies for cultivating contentment, all while striving for business success.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• The significance of hustle, networking, and asking for support in an entrepreneur's journey to success
• Challenges new entrepreneurs face, especially concerning business management aspects like taxes, and the importance of having a support system
• Strategic insights on combating imposter syndrome and the cultivation of self-belief and self-worth
• Erica's vision for fostering community and inclusivity through her women's supper club and its recent expansion
• Dealing with the pressures and criticisms that come with entrepreneurship and social media presence, and the philosophy of contentment driving business performance

ABOUT ERICA:

Eating With Erica is a nationally recognized food and lifestyle website that has been featured in Food & Wine, Good Morning America, CNN, FOX5, Essence and more.

Erica started EWE as a passionate food enthusiast and used her background in corporate marketing and influencer marketing to build EWE into the brand it is today. While she now runs it full-time, being a successful entrepreneur did not happen overnight and when asked, Erica is quick to explain how for the first several months she worked from 9-5 and then came home to work her “5-9.”

Over the past decade, Erica has worked with over 250 companies including brands like Panera, La Marca Prosecco, Kroger, Woodford Reserve, and Lexus. As a businesswoman, she understands the importance of professional partnerships, but it is her passion for delicious food that remains at the core of EWE.

Connect with Erica:

Website

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Links from the show:

• Giving Kitchen: A nonprofit organization supporting restaurant workers. Learn more on their website
• Gift Biz: A philanthropy focused on supporting entrepreneurs, yet a specific web link was not provided, please search for local opportunities or organizations with a similar name.

For more information and to connect with our host, Lindsey Epperly, visit www.lindseyepperly.com 
Looking to turn your Imposter Syndrome into Inspiration? Grab the workbook here!